Former Vice President says insecurity and economic hardship have deepened under APC, calls for restoration of “true democracy.”

Former Vice President and presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has openly expressed regret over his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that Nigeria’s condition has deteriorated further under the party’s leadership.

Atiku, who was among key political figures that came together in 2014 to form the APC and unseat then-President Goodluck Jonathan, said the original objective was to correct what they perceived as flaws in the country’s democratic process and governance at the time.

“I regret being among those who helped form the APC in 2014 to remove Goodluck Jonathan from office. Today, the situation has become even worse under the present administration,” he said.

Reflecting on the political coalition that birthed the APC, Atiku explained that the alliance was driven by concerns over insecurity, economic instability and what he described as a faltering democratic system.

“We came together and formed the APC because we felt democracy was faulty in 2014,” he noted. “The major challenges then were insecurity and the economy, among others.”

However, according to him, the expectations that the change in government would improve governance have not materialised. Instead, he argued, the same problems — particularly insecurity and economic hardship — have intensified.

“Only for us to end up at the same position we found ourselves in 2014,” Atiku said. “Now it is even worse than what we fought against in 2014.”

He concluded by urging Nigerians and political stakeholders to recommit themselves to strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring accountable leadership.

“We must have that in mind, and we must succeed in making sure that we restore true democracy to our country,” he added.